Treating postoperative nausea and vomiting

ABSTRACT

Methods, compositions, systems, and packaging are disclosed for reducing postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV) in a human patient in need of general anesthesia for surgery. Such methods may include scheduling a surgery for the human patient, and administering to the patient one or more series of prescribed medicines for at least three successive days during a regimen immediately preceding general anesthesia. Compositions may include cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, opioids, or analgesics.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority of International Application Serial No. PCT/US2013/045884, filed Jun. 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of priority from Provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/664,622, filed Jun. 26, 2012, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of certain pharmacologic interventions and of surgery and/or other medical procedures. These side effects can result from chemical stimulation of various receptors in the body, mechanical stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract, or both. These effects are particularly bothersome after surgical procedures under general anesthesia.

Patient's perception of the quality of their anesthetic experience is strongly affected by the incidence of post-operative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV). There is also considerable economic impact on the facilities that treat these patients and may have to deal with additional staffing and overhead costs as a result of delayed patent discharge due to PONV.

Despite intensive and ongoing efforts to reduce PONV and its affects, success remains elusive. As such, there remains a need for improved methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing PONV.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing nausea and/or vomiting. For example, but not limited to, reducing nausea and/or vomiting associated with certain medicines or medical treatments including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical compositions, chemotherapy, anesthesia, and/or surgery.

In certain other aspects, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing post-operative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV). In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for reducing PONV comprising the step of conditioning or desensitizing one or more receptors implicated in the nausea or vomiting reflex prior to general anesthesia.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for reducing PONV comprising the step of conditioning or desensitizing one or more receptors implicated in the nausea and/or vomiting reflex prior to general anesthesia where the conditioning or desensitizing is accomplished using a composition comprising cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, and/or selective serotonin releasing agents.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for reducing PONV comprising the step of conditioning or desensitizing one or more receptors implicated in the nausea and/or vomiting reflex prior to general anesthesia where the conditioning or desensitizing is accomplished using an opioid and/or an analgesic.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method for reducing PONV comprising the step of conditioning or desensitizing one or more receptors implicated in the nausea and/or vomiting reflex prior to general anesthesia where the conditioning or desensitizing is accomplished by administering to the patient a dose or doses of a pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition may include, but is not limited to, non-smoke borne nicotine, bethanechol, levodopa, 5-hydroxytryptophan, acetaminophen, hydrocodone, dapoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, indalpine, paroxetine, sertraline, zimelidine, mesembrine, seproxetine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, milnacipran, levomilnacipran, sibutramine, bicifadine, SEP-227162, amitryptiline, clomipramine, imipramine, nefopam, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, nefopam, tryptophan, carbidopa, amantadine, ropinirole, dopamine, fenoldopam, amineptine, bromocriptine, ibuprofen, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, oxymorphone, proproxyphene, tapentadol, or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, derivative, prodrug or precursor thereof whether sold or marketed as a generic or name-brand pharmaceutical.

In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered and/or directed to be administered at a certain time of day. For example, a composition may be directed to be taken in the morning, afternoon, evening, and/or before the patient sleeps. Alternatively, a composition may be directed to be taken daily, twice daily, and/or at any other interval during the day and/or between days, for example but not limited to, twice per day, and/or every other day.

In methods or compositions described above or elsewhere herein, in preferred aspects, one of, or a combination of two or more of, or all of, the following features also characterizes the methods or compositions:

-   -   (a) scheduling a surgery including general anesthesia for the         patient;     -   (b) prescribing one or more pharmaceutical compositions for the         reduction of PONV;     -   (c) administering to the patient one or more pharmaceutical         compositions for the reduction of PONV;     -   (d) one or more pharmaceutical compositions including one or         more pharmaceutically active ingredients, and/or one or more         pharmaceutically inactive ingredients.

Additional summaries are provided in the claims appended hereto, each of which is to be considered a summary of an embodiment of the present invention.

The foregoing and still further aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of packaging for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top view of packaging for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of packaging for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of packaging for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph showing the dosage over time of 5-HTP included in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the dosage over time of levodopa included in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bar graph showing the dosage over time of hydrocodone included in one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The following words and phrases as used herein have the meanings set forth below.

Articles and phrases such as, “the”, “a”, “an”, “at least one”, and “a first”, “comprising”, “having”, and “including” here are not limited to mean only one, but rather are inclusive and open ended to also include, optionally, two or more of such elements and/or other elements. In terms of the meaning of words or terms or phrases herein, literal differences therein are not superfluous and have different meaning, and are not to be synonymous with words or terms or phrases in the same or other claims.

The term “administer” or “administering” as used herein means to give or to take in and includes self-administration by the patient or administration by a health care provider and can involve any route of administration including, but not limited to, orally, transdermally, by injection, subcutaneously, intravenously, enterally, or parenterally for example.

The term “analgesic” as used herein means generally a pharmaceutical or drug which acts to relieve pain. Analgesics include, but are not limited to, opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and/or naproxen.

The term “and/or” is inclusive here, meaning “and” as well as “or”. For example, “P and/or Q” encompasses P, Q, and P with Q; and, such “P and/or Q” may include other elements as well.

The term “cholinergic receptor agonist” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that target one or more cholinergic receptors. Such cholinergic receptor agonists include, but are not limited to, bethanechol, and non-smoke borne nicotine. Cholinergic receptor agonists may be marketed under brand names including, but not limited to, Duvoid®, Urecholine®, Nicoderm®, and Nicorette®.

The term “daily” as used herein means occurring at least once per day. The term “dopamine receptor agonists” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that target one or more dopamine receptors. Dopamine receptor agonists include, but are not limited to, levodopa, carbidopa, amantadine, ropinirole, fenoldopam, amineptine, and bromocriptine. Branded pharmaceuticals of this class includes, but is not limited to, Sinemet®, Stalevo®, Requip®, Survector, Maneon, Directim, Neolior, Provector®, Viaspera, and Parlodel®.

The term “immediately preceding” as used herein means where a series and/or regimen period continues to within less than 48 hours of surgery or other event. However, optionally, but normally, the regimen period, even though ‘immediately proceeding’, will end on or before midnight of the day preceding surgery or other event.

The term “means” and/or “means for” here, invokes 35 U.S.C. §112(f) means-plus-function for the recited function(s) and the corresponding structure(s) (including alternatives in the definitions or elsewhere in this disclosure) and equivalents thereto.

The term “medication” as used herein means a doctor-prescribed chemical or composition of chemicals or combination thereof that may be used for the medical treatment or prevention or mitigation of a health condition.

The term “muscarinic receptor agonist” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that target one or more muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Muscarinic receptor agonists include, but are not limited to, bethanechol.

The term “nauseating medical procedure” as used herein means a medical procedure where the patient experiences a sensation of nausea or vomiting (during and/or after the procedure), including for example general anesthesia, surgery with general anesthesia, chemotherapy and other noxious stimuli such as noxious medicines.

The term “nicotinic receptor agonist” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that target one or more nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Nicotinic receptor agonists include, but are not limited to non-smoke borne nicotine.

The term “monoamine oxidase inhibitor” or “MAO inhibitor” or “MAOI” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that target one or more monoamine oxidase enzymes. MAO inhibitors include, but are not limited to, benmoxin, hydralazine, iproclozide, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, isoniazid, mebanazine, nialamide, octamoxin, phenelzine, pheniprazine, phenoxypropazine, pivalylbenzhydrazine, procarbazine, safrazine, caroxazone, echinopsidine, furazolidone, linezolid, tranylcypromine, linezolid, brofaromine, metralindole, minaprine, moclobemide, pirlindole, toloxatone, lazabemide, pargyline, rasagiline, and selegiline.

The term “narcotic” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that produce effects including, but not limited to, pain relief, sedation, constipation, and/or respiratory depression.

The term “narcotic effect” as used herein means a side-effect associated with narcotics and/or opioids in the nature of sedation wherein the user's ability to safely operate a vehicle or other machinery is impaired.

The term “non-smoke borne nicotine” as used herein means nicotine carried other than by smoke (such as tobacco smoke). This may include, for example, a transdermal patch for carrying nicotine.

The term “opioid” as used herein means any morphine-like narcotic that produces the same effects as drugs derived from the opium poppy including, but not limited to, pain relief, sedation, constipation, and/or respiratory depression. Opioids include, but are not limited to, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, oxymorphone, propoxyphene, and tapentadol which may be combined with another pharmaceutical composition, tamper-resistant mechanisms, or time release formulations. Opioids may be marketed under brand names including, but not limited to, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Vicoprofen®, Percocet®, Tylox®, OxyContin®, Ultram®, Demerol®, Opana®, Darvon®, and Nucynta®.

The term “pharmaceutical” or “drug” as used herein means a chemical or composition of chemicals that may be used for the medical diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of a disease or condition, and includes medicines.

The term “postoperative nausea and/or vomiting” or “PONV” as used herein describes a condition many patients experience as a result of certain medications, general anesthesia, surgery, or surgical activity where the patient experiences a sensation of nausea or vomiting.

The term “prevention” as used herein means steps taken or compositions administered to stop or reduce something from happening or arising, whether the thing be anticipated or not, or whether the thing actually occurs or not.

The term “reduction” as used herein means making a specified thing smaller in amount, degree, or size and should not be construed as requiring a complete reduction or cure of a condition, whether the thing be anticipated or not, or whether the thing actually occurs or not.

The term “regimen period” as used herein means the period of time leading up to a scheduled surgery and/or medical event where, for example, one or more pharmaceutical compositions may be administered to a patient for the reduction or prevention of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting.

The term “series” as used herein means a group of one or more like elements including, but not limited to, for example, one or more pharmaceutical compositions or doses of pharmaceutical compositions. Ordinarily, a series of medications is spread over a period of time.

The term “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor” or “SSRI” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that act by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into a cell. SSRI's include, but are not limited to, dapoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, indalpine, paroxetine, sertraline, zimelidine, mesembrine, and seproxetine and may be marketed under brand names, including, but not limited to, Priligy®, Celexa®, Cipramil, Cipram, Dalsan, Recital, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram, Citox, Cital, Lexapro®, Cipralex, Seroplex, Esertia, Depex, Prozac®, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem®, Ladose, Motivest, Flutop, Fluctin, Fluox, Depress, Loyal, Prodep, Luvox®, Fevarin, Faverin, Dumyrox, Favoxil, Movax, Floxyfral, Upstene, Paxil®, Seroxat, Serupin, Aropax, Deroxat, Divarius, Rexetin, Xetanor, Paroxat, Loxamine, Deparoc, Zoloft®, Lustral, Serlain, Asentra, Tresleen, Zelmid, and Normud.

The term “selective serotonin releasing agent” or “SSRA” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that induce the release of serotonin. SSRA's include, but are not limited to, fenfluramine, and dexfenfluramine which may be marketed under the brand names including, but not limited to, Fen-phen, and Redux®.

The term “serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor” or “SNRI” as used herein means the general class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that act upon the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. SNRI's include, but are not limited to, venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, milnacipran, levomilnacipran, sibutramine, bicifadine, SEP-227162, amitryptiline, clomipramine, and imipramine which may be marketed under brand names, including, but not limited to, Effexor®, Cymbalta®, Yentreve, Pristiq®, Dalcipran®, Ixel®, Savella®, Meridia, Reductil, and Sepracor®.

The term “serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor” or “SNDRI” as used herein means generally the class of pharmaceuticals or drugs that act as a reuptake inhibitor of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Such SNDRI's include, but is not limited to, nefopam which may be marketed under the brand names including, but not limited to, Acupan, Silentan, Nefadol, and Ajan.

The language used in the claims and the written description and in the above definitions is to only have it plain and ordinary meaning, except for terms explicitly defined above. Such plain and ordinary meaning is defined here as the inclusion of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published (on the filing date of this document) general purpose Webster's dictionaries and Random House dictionaries.

In one embodiment, methods and compositions of the currently invention for reducing nausea and/or vomiting include conditioning one or more receptors implicated in the nausea and/or vomiting reflex in order to reduce the symptoms of nausea and/or vomiting associated with certain medicines or medical treatments including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical compositions, chemotherapy, anesthesia, and/or surgery.

In one embodiment, methods of the current invention for reducing postoperative nausea or vomiting in a human patient in need of general anesthesia for surgery comprise the steps of scheduling surgery; administering to the patient one or more series of prescribed medications; wherein said one or more series of prescribed medications includes a dose of a first prescribed medicine selected from the group consisting of cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, and serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors; and wherein said one or more series of prescribed medications includes a dose of a second prescribed medication selected from the group consisting of opioids and analgesics during the regimen period.

Methods of the current invention include embodiments where a medicine has a narcotic effect on the patient and is administered at a daily time wherein the majority of its narcotic effect occurs when the patient sleeps.

In one embodiment of the present invention the regimen period may be longer than two days and less than 22 days. In another embodiment, the regimen period may be longer than two days and less than 15 days. In still another embodiment, the regimen period may be longer than 2 days and less than 8 days. In a further embodiment, the regimen period may be longer than six days and less than 15 days.

In one embodiment of the present invention the dose of a medicine may be increased and/or decreased. For example, a patient may be administered a medicine at a given dose for a period of days, and then administered a higher dose of the same medication for a period of days (See FIGS. 4-6). Alternatively, a patient may be administered a medicine at a given dose for a period of days, and then administered a lower dose of the same medication for a period of days. Such increases and/or decreases in dosage may be in a stepwise manner, in a gradual ramping up or down in dosages, and/or occur multiple times during the regimen period.

In one aspect of the present invention, a dose of a prescribed medicine selected from the group consisting of cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, and serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors may be administered to a patient.

In another aspect of the present invention, a dose of a prescribed medication selected from the group consisting of opioids and analgesics may be administered to a patient.

In still a further aspect of the present invention, a dose of a prescribed medication selected from the group consisting of cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, opioids, and analgesics may be administered to a patient.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a medicine may be administered daily, twice daily, or any other suitable period for administration.

In still other aspects of the present invention, medications may be packaged in any suitable packaging for transportation or distribution (101, 301), such as, for example, in a blister package or in bottles. Suitable packaging includes, but is not limited to, those with a first series (109, see FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B), of at least three discrete compartments (104); a second series (110) of at least three discrete compartments (106, 107, 108); where the first and second series both extend generally along a first direction; and where the first and second series both correspond to a regimen period; and where pharmaceutical compositions (103, 111, 112) are sealed within the packaging. The direction of the compartments for each series may be in a line, in a curved path, and/or both. Indicia may be printed or engraved on such packaging, for example numerals for the day of administration in the regimen period (102, 105). Packaging may, for example, be formed from a plastic or other suitable material (201, See FIG. 2) and a backing of suitable material (202) such as, but not limited to a metal, plastic, and/or paper backing. Further, in some embodiments, packaging (301, See FIG. 3) may comprise a box (302), patient instructions (303), and pharmaceutical compositions packaged in a manner suitable for transportation or distribution (101).

In another aspect, medications may be formulated with one active pharmaceutical ingredient, or multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients, for example, but not limited to two, three, four, or five active pharmaceutical ingredients. Medications may also be formulated with one or more inactive pharmaceutical ingredients, including but not limited to binders, colorants, bulking agents, coatings, flavorings, or preservatives.

In still another aspect, medications may be given as dosages that are sub-therapeutic, sub-emetic, or at dosages that are at therapeutic or emetic levels.

For the purpose of promoting a further understanding of embodiments of the invention as well as features and advantages thereof, the following specific Example is provided. It will be understood that this Example is illustrative, and not limiting, of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Materials and Methods:

A fourteen-day, randomized, double blind, parallel group study is conducted to assess the affect of one embodiment of the present invention on PONV. The primary objective is to assess whether a statistically significant difference exists in the occurrence of PONV between a treatment group and a control group.

Prospective subjects will be recruited from the St. Vincent Women's Hospital clinic and general patient population of St. Vincent Women's Hospital or St. Vincent 86th St. Prospective subjects will complete a screening survey comprising their identifying, contact, pertinent background medical information, and screening questions for patient inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eligible subjects will be asked to review and sign an informed consent form. The study will continue to recruit participants until up to 250 subjects have been enrolled.

Inclusion Criteria

Prospective patients eligible to be included in the study include: medically healthy, ASA Class I, II, or III patients scheduled for elective abdominal (laparoscopic or open abdominal) procedures; females, aged 18 to 65 years old, post-menopausal for greater than two years, surgically sterilized or with a negative pregnancy test within seven days prior to administration of study drugs; males 18 to 65 years old; and willing to take the study medications as directed, answer daily survey questions, and respond to a follow-up call post surgical procedure.

Exclusion Criteria

Prospective patients not eligible to be included in the study include: patients under the age of 18 or over the age of 65; pregnant, potentially pregnant, or breast-feeding mothers; patients currently taking any of the study drugs or drugs which act on the same receptor class as the study drugs; patients with a known allergy to any of the study drugs; those with significant renal or hepatic disease including myocardial infarcation and atrial, nodal or ventricular arrhythmias; and those with pre-existent nausea or vomiting due to other causes.

Data Collection

Data will be collected on all patients to include: demographic information such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, tobacco usage, reproductive status; medical history; medications including the name and dosage; and any known allergies. Primary outcome data will be collected to include the incidence of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, itching-hives, sleepiness, and headaches. Nausea will be scored using a four point verbal descriptive scale (VDS) where zero means no nausea, one means mild nausea, to means moderate nausea, and three means severe nausea.

Study Protocols

Randomization. Subjects will be randomly assigned on the day of screening, or as soon as possible thereafter, to one of two parallel groups: the treatment group or the non-treatment group. Simple randomization will be performed by an individual not involved in the screening. The randomizing individual will generate a number from 1 to 100 which will be assigned the subject. Participants assigned an odd number will be included in the treatment group, and subjects assigned an even number will be included in the non-treatment.

Treatment Group. Subjects assigned to the treatment group will be dispensed medications as outlined below. Medications will be prepared and packaged by a licensed pharmacist and patients will not know the specific identities of the study medications. These medications will be provided at no cost to the subject. The drugs will be given in an outpatient setting, for a minimum of 10 days, and a maximum of 14 days, prior to a scheduled surgical procedure in which a general anesthesia is anticipated. Participating subjects will be given written instructions outlining the dosing regime they are to follow. This information will be reviewed with the subject in the presence of a study researcher, and signed by the patient. Patients will begin the conditioning protocol 14 days prior to their scheduled surgical event, and will be eligible for inclusion as long as they can complete at least 10 days of the conditioning protocol. Patients will complete medication dosing on the day prior to their elective surgical procedure. They will not take the study drug on the day of surgery. If the scheduled the surgery date changes after dosing has begun, the patient will be excluded from participation unless they can still complete the 10 to 14 day dosing regime.

Patients will be asked several questions daily, in the form of a brief daily survey and be given the option of answering questions electronically or by telephone. Patients who have not responded to the survey by the following day will be called by the investigators. The daily survey is designed to monitor for nausea, vomiting, and other potential side effects, as well as patient compliance with the daily scheduled dose, and reasons for any non-compliance with the dosing schedule. Patients will also be instructed to call the investigators phone number if they experience any problems or concerns. Any patient experiencing intolerable or severe side effects will stop taking the study medication, but will continue to be monitored through the study.

Day of Surgery. On the day of the scheduled surgical procedure, patients will be assigned to a member of the St. Vincent Hospital Department of anesthesia according to their normal surgical scheduling procedures. The assigned anesthesiologist will be aware that the patient is enrolled in the study, but will not know the treatment or non-treatment status of the subject. The anesthesiologist will be alerted as to possible side effects and interactions of the study drugs, and instructed to contact the study physicians or study a phone number if they have special concerns. If the attending anesthesiologist feels it necessary to provide optimal care of the patient, they will be told the exact treatment status of the patient.

The anesthesiologist will record data on the anesthetic technique used including: pre-operative medications given; type and length of the surgical procedure; and the anesthetic technique used, including induction agent, maintenance agent, opioids given intra-operatively, anti-emetic's given and the time given, use of neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal drugs, and the use of pain management techniques such as intrathecal or epidural narcotics.

The anesthesiologist will be free to use whatever anesthetic technique he deems suitable for general anesthesia, and will have freedom of choice in the medications given, including anti-nausea medications.

The Post Operative Care Unit (PACU) nurse will record the presence or absence of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the administration of any PONV treatment medications from the time the patient is admitted to the PACU until they are discharged either to home or to inpatient status. The PACU nurse will not know if the patient belongs to the treatment or non-treatment study group.

Non-Treatment (Control) Group. The non-treatment group will follow the same protocols as the treatment group, however this group will receive a placebo medication.

On days one through six, the non-treatment (control) group patients will receive one tablet by mouth (PO) in the morning hours, and one tablet by mouth (PO) in the evening hours.

On days seven through 14, the non-treatment (control) group patients will receive two tablets by mouth (PO) in the morning, and two tablets by mouth (PO) in the evening hours.

As with the treatment group, patients in the nontreatment (control) group will be told to follow the same precautions with the evening dose as if they were actually receiving a narcotic medication.

Treatment Group Study Medication and Dosing. The treatment study group will receive three medications: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplied as 50 mg capsules, levodopa (LDOPA) supplied as 50 mg tablets, and hydrocodone supplied as scored combination tablets containing 5 mg hydrocodone and 500 mg acetaminophen. Each drug was administered orally (PO).

On days one through four of the regimen period, the patient was administered a dose of one 50 mg capsule of 5-HTP in the morning hours, and the patient was administered a dose of one 50 mg tablet of levodopa and one-half of a scored hydrocodone tablet comprising 2.5 mg hydrocodone and 250 mg acetaminophen in the evening hours.

On days five through eight of the regimen period, the patient was administered a dose of one 50 mg capsule of 5-HTP and one 50 mg tablet of levodopa in the morning hours, and the patient was administered a dose of one 50 mg capsule of 5-HTP, one 50 mg tablet of levodopa, and one-half of a scored hydrocodone tablet comprising 2.5 mg hydrocodone and 250 mg acetaminophen in the evening hours.

On days nine through twelve of the regimen period, the patient was administered a dose of two 50 mg capsules of 5-HTP and one 50 mg tablet of levodopa in the morning hours, and the patient was administered a dose of one 50 mg capsule of 5-HTP, two 50 mg tablets of levodopa, and one scored hydrocodone tablet comprising 5 mg hydrocodone and 500 mg acetaminophen in the evening hours.

On days thirteen through fourteen of the regimen period, the patient was administered a dose of two 50 mg capsules of 5-HTP and two 50 mg tablets of levodopa in the morning hours, and the patient was administered a dose of two 50 mg capsules of 5-HTP, two 50 mg tablets of levodopa, and one scored hydrocodone tablet comprising 5 mg hydrocodone and 500 mg acetaminophen in the evening hours.

Patients will be instructed to take the morning or evening doses at any convenient time, with or without food, but should attempt to take the daily dose at approximately the same time each day. If a patient experiences nausea, vomiting, or other side effects in the 24-hour period after a dose, they will drop down to the next lowest dose the following day, or stay at the same dose if they were already at the lowest dosing level.

Patients will be instructed to take the hydrocodone dosage only after dinner and if there is no chance they will be driving, operating machinery, or performing any activity that will require physical or mental concentration until the following morning. They will be instructed not to drink alcohol, or take any other medications which cause sleepiness after dinnertime. If a patient still feels any residual sleepiness or impairment the following morning, they will be instructed not to drive an automobile until the sleepiness has subsided.

Commercial preparations of the drugs will be used, however the patients will not know the identities of the 5-HTP and LDOPA doses. Patients will be told the identity of the hydrocodone tablets, so that they can evaluate whether or not they should take the drug. The packaging and labeling of the drugs will be performed by a licensed pharmacist.

The uses of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references in the context of describing the invention, especially in the context of the following claims, are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. In addition, all references cited herein are indicative of the level of skill in the art and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for reducing post-operative nausea or vomiting in a human patient in need of general anesthesia for surgery, comprising the acts of: scheduling surgery for the human patient to occur on a future surgery date, said scheduled surgery to include general anesthesia; administering to the patient one or more series of prescribed medicines for at least three successive days during a regimen period immediately preceding said general anesthesia; wherein said one or more series of prescribed medicines includes a dose of a first prescribed medicine selected from the group consisting of cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, and serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors; and, wherein said one or more series of prescribed medicines includes a dose of a second prescribed medicine selected from the group consisting of opiods and analgesics during said regimen period.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second prescribed medicine has a narcotic effect on the patient and is administered at a daily time wherein the majority of its narcotic effect occurs when the patient sleeps.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the regimen period is longer than 2 days and less than 22 days.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first prescribed medicine and said second prescribed medicine are each administered daily during the regimen period.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said administering includes increasing the dose of said first or said second prescribed medicine at least once during said regimen period.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, or serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors is selected from the group consisting essentially of non-smoke borne nicotine, bethanechol, levodopa, and 5-hydroxytryptophan or a pharmacologically acceptable salt or metabolic precursor thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the opioid or analgesic is selected from the group consisting essentially of hydrocodone and acetaminophen or a pharmacologically acceptable salt or metabolic precursor thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the regimen period is longer than 6 days and less than 15 days.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said series comprises a third medicine selected from the group comprising cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, opiods, and analgesics during said regimen period; and wherein the third medicine is different than said first medicine.
 10. The method of claim 1, the act of said administering including administering dosages of: (a) 5-hydroxytryptophan, daily, 50 milligrams per day for four days, then 100 milligrams per day for four days, then 150 milligrams per day for four days, then 200 milligrams per day for two days; (b) levodopa, daily, 50 milligrams per day for four days, then 100 milligrams per day for four days, then 150 milligrams per day for four days, then 200 milligrams per day for two days; (c) hydrocodone, daily, 2.5 milligrams per day for eight days, then 5 milligrams per day for six days.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the medicines are packaged in the packaging of claim
 12. 12. A system for reducing post-operative nausea or vomiting, comprising: (a) a package, comprising: a first series of at least three discrete compartments; a second series of at least three discrete compartments; wherein said first series and said second series both extend generally along a first direction; wherein said first series and said second series both correspond to a regimen period; and (b) pharmaceutical compositions sealed within said packaging, comprising said first series of compartments respectively containing a single dose of a cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, or serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors; said second series of compartments respectively containing a single dose of an opiod or analgesic.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first series of discrete compartments is aligned with the second series of discrete compartments in columns in a second direction, whereby the cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, or serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and opioid or analgesic for a given dosing period within said regimen period are aligned along said columns by dosing period.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein said first series and said second series of compartments are marked with visible indicia which differentiates said series from each other, with said second series being marked for administration at a daily time to release the majority of the drug's narcotic effects while the patient sleeps.
 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a third series of at least three compartments, said third compartments respectively containing a single dose of medicine selected from the group comprising cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, opioids, and analgesics.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the first direction is a straight line, a curved path, or both.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the compartments comprise push-through blister packaging.
 18. The system of claim 12, comprising: (a) 5-hydroxytryptophan, daily, 50 milligrams per day for four days, then 100 milligrams per day for four days, then 150 milligrams per day for four days, then 200 milligrams per day for two days, packaged in a first series of compartments; (b) hydrocodone, daily, 2.5 milligrams per day for eight days, then 5 milligrams per day for six days, packaged in a second series of compartments;
 19. The system of claim 12, and further comprising an instruction sheet instructing the method of claim
 1. 20. A prescription medicine system comprising at least one medicine from each group consisting of: (a) cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, and serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors; (b) opioids and analgesics; and, (c) cholinergic receptor agonists, muscarinic receptor agonists, dopamine receptor agonists, MAO inhibitors, serotonin receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin releasing agents, serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, opioids, and analgesics; in combination.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein each medicine is formulated separately and packaged together.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein at least two medicines are formulated together.
 23. The system of claim 20, wherein the formulation is in the form of a tablet, capsule, transdermal patch, liquid solution, liquid suspension, or suppository.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the two medicines formulated together are within separate layers or compartments of a common tablet or capsule. 